Green Power
Replacing fossil fuels with bagasse
As industries move to net zero energy, MSF Sugar has led with investments to ensure there is no waste in their operations. Their green power plant, found on the Atherton Tablelands, the sugar mill is generating 24 megawatts per hour. Enough to make the Tableland sugar mill completely self-sufficient and power 26,280 homes in the Tableland region.
Creating value from waste
MSF Sugar is a subsidiary of Mitr Phol, Asia’s largest sugar and bio-energy producer. The company has invested over $650m in the region since 2012 to drive its circular bioeconomy philosophy. Every byproduct created through the crushing of sugarcane has a use, ensuring what was considered as waste, will instead have value. From ethanol that can be used for sustainable aviation fuels to organic fertilisers, Mitr Phol is aiming to ensure every byproduct has a purpose.
“We focus on creating value, not just for the sugar mill but also for the grower and the Cairns community. In Far North Queensland we have more than 700 growers, 700 employees and 2,000 suppliers; generating over $400m annually. The sugar industry is an important, sustainable way of supporting the local economy.”
Jia, Thitichaya Poontanasombat, Chief Financial Officer, MSF Sugar – Mitr Phol Group
Converting sugarcane fibre into green energy
The green power plant utilises the sugarcane fibre extracted as part of the sugarcane crushing process at the mill. This byproduct is then processed within the onsite boiler to convert that bagasse into green energy. The green power plant provides enough green energy to ensure the mill doesn’t need any electricity from the mill.
“Some of the other byproducts from the sugarcane crushing process include mud waste, which through can be returned to our growers as an organic fertiliser. Water is another byproduct that again we capture to ensure that there is no waste in the whole process.”
Peter Chohan, Production Manager – MSF Sugar
Sustainable farming
Thanks to a special partnership between MSF Sugar and its local growers, farmers have been able to invest in advanced equipment and improve their practices. This has led to sustainable farming that helps offset increasing input costs through improved efficiencies and time management, while also minimising waste.
“Our family has been growing cane since 1950. The way I farm now, is much more sustainable. Technology has changed so much that we’re now green cane harvest best practice. All our big tractors are GPS-guided, and the machinery has increased in size so that the harvesters' throughput can match the mill's capacity.”
Paul Gregory, Farmer - Gordonvale.
*Disclaimer: This case study showcases an innovative approach in Cairns’ Smart Green Economy. While this project is not owned by Cairns Regional Council, and the presentation of this case study does not imply Council endorsement, it is our aim to highlight some of the exciting initiatives in our region and inspire positive change within our community.